Page 112 – Youth Are Awesome

Bye-Bye YAA: Lessons I Have Learned From Blogging

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July 24, 2017

Bye-Bye YAA: Lessons I Have Learned From Blogging

Goodbye, farvel, au revoir, 再见!

The past couple of weeks have been one farewell after another, and after delaying this one for as a long as I can, it’s time for me to say bye-bye to this wonderful community that so readily accepted a junior high girl back in 2014 when she decided to explore her interest in advocacy and writing by joining an online blog. My three years writing for Youth Are Awesome are now coming to a close as I leave Calgary for Toronto to begin my studies in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Toronto, and while this is a bittersweet moment, I wanted to leave YAA by reflecting on all the amazing lessons I have learned from blogging.

TAKE CHANCES

If I hadn’t taken my chance to be part of YAA by sending that email to express my interest, none of this would have been possible. None of the friendships, stories, journeys, and opportunities would have arisen for me, and the fact that I felt so comfortable after throwing myself out there to join reassured me that, when in doubt, take the chance. While I never really had a doubt that YAA would be a safe chance to take and that everyone would be friendly, that gave me the confidence to take the chances that came from it. From the chance to become a Junior Editor, to the chance of applying to be part of the Youth Week 2015 planning committee and the Mayor’s Youth Council, to having the opportunity to cover local events. YAA proved to me that taking chances is worth it.

CALGARY IS BEAUTIFUL

“There’s nothing to do in Calgary!” – Someone (definitely not a YAA blogger)

Above is a myth I used to think was true. Before YAA, I honestly believed that Chinook Centre and 17th Avenue were the only places in Calgary you could go for a fun time. My adventures on YAA have proven to me otherwise. I’ve come to realize that Calgary has so much to offer if you just pay attention. Our city is host to endless types of concerts, small businesses, historical districts you can visit, and tons of fun special events all year round. If you are looking for more to do, checking up on YAA’s event listings or following YYC-based accounts will open your eyes up to what is going on in our city!

SOFT SKILLS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HARD SKILLS

When I became a blogger, I knew one thing: I could write. A pretty basic skill to have for someone looking to join a blogging team. However, it was a concrete skill that I knew I could utilize. Through getting special opportunities to interact with community entrepreneurs, attending special events, and exploring our city in scout of more topics to write about, I was able to develop many soft skills that I could only have picked up through the opportunities I got and by actually putting myself out there. Whether it’s professional skills, communication skills, networking, or just social etiquette in different situations, these soft skills have become useful to me in so many aspects of my life.

THE WORLD IS BIGGER THAN YOUR SCHOOL

When I joined YAA, all of my friends were either people I had met through my school, or family friends. I never fathomed that I could have friends from all corners of the city and beyond hailing from many different schools. However, YAA brought together a group of youth who were exactly that, and I would not have met any of them if it wasn’t for it. There was great joy in being able to see my friends at Model UN conferences or at volunteer projects, and being able to have connections with people in different schools. Some of these people have become my closest friends and I wouldn’t have given up the chance to meet them for the world.

CONNECTIONS ARE EVERYTHING

There’s an interview question that goes something like this: is it about what you know or who you know? If you had asked me this in Grade 8, I probably would have thought the answer was obvious and said the first option. After seeing the impact that the connections I made through YAA had on opening doors for me, I now know that who you know plays such a big part in what options will be available to you. You can gain a lot of cool chances by demonstrating your integrity and hard work to the right people. YAA gifts their bloggers with the opportunity to meet empowered youth and the chance to develop a professional network.

STOP, PAUSE, AND REFLECT!

Image result for pensive woman matisse — (x)

When people ask me about why I like to write for a blog, my answer is always this: writing allows you to stop and really reflect on what is happening in your life; we all live such fast-paced lives that isn’t very forgiving to those who take their time, but self-reflection and learning about things outside of school is so beneficial to your personhood. Without YAA, I doubt that I would have taken the time out of my life to write about my thoughts, or to find out what’s going on in the city, or even to learn more about my favourite chick-flicks. Writing was the conduit to accessing my thoughts when I wasn’t going 100 miles per hour, and I definitely accredit it for allowing me to find out more about myself and also for acing some interviews.

DON’T BE CONFINED, BE CREATIVE, BE YOU!

One of the things that truly set YAA apart for me from writing on other platforms is how much freedom we are given as writers. It really does feel like you are writing for yourself. If I wanted to write a Buzzfeed-style post, I could do that. If I wanted to express my thoughts in an op-ed style article, I could do that too. Even during my tenure as the Arts & Culture editor, I was still encouraged to write about any subject I wanted to and that allowed me to explore so many different sides of who I am. YAA encouraged me to be creative and to be me, which is something that contributed to the next thing I learned:

ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR INTERESTS

Baby Arts & Culture Junior Editor in the making

The most important lesson I have taken away from high school is this: be genuine. This can mean being genuine in your actions and making sure you have the right intentions, or just being your true self no matter where you go. But for me, it has always been to be genuine in what you get involved in. In high school, I’ve had the good fortune to be able to meet so many extraordinary people who have accomplished amazing things, and are people that I admire greatly. But I have also encountered those who are accomplished, but clearly disconnected with the purpose of what they were doing, or were dishonest to others and themselves about what they were truly passionate about. When I started writing with YAA, I struggled with deciding which category I would write for, so instead, I just wrote about whatever I wanted. After a while, I began realizing that all of my posts were about arts & culture, and I jumped on the opportunity to become the Arts & Culture Junior Editor when that position opened up. By following my interests and being genuine in my actions, I actually ended up discovering more about who I am and what my true interests are. With that knowledge, I was able to involve myself in initiatives that reflected my love local culture, multiculturalism, and the arts — things that I continue to love and support and am sure I will no matter where I am in the future.

A little promotional handout I designed a while back. These are just a few benefits of being a YAA blogger.

Youth Are Awesome was my very first contact with Youth Central — before I was a volunteer with the Youth Volunteer Corps, I was a blogger for YAA. Seeing how kind and helpful the staff were at Youth Central, in addition to the welcoming and friendly nature of all of the bloggers, I felt like Youth Central was truly a place where I could be myself. I was in awe of all of the opportunities YAA gave me, and all of the fun experiences and paths I have been inspired to take in my high school years can be attributed back to the lessons I earned from being part of YAA. The decision to join a group of 30-something youth all bonded together by a love of writing changed my life — and in ways I never would have imagined possible.

Interested in joining YAA? Email info@youthcentral.com for more information.

Why I Love Being a Woman

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Dhriti Gupta

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July 24, 2017

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I feel as though, as being an advocate for feminism and women’s rights, it can be pretty difficult to look past all of the adversity women everywhere face. My focus is always on the defensive, trying to educate and bring awareness to issues that have yet to be resolved, bring to light the stories of women who don’t yet have the justice they deserve, just trying to convince the world that we’re here, and we matter, really. I love doing it though, I kind of love arguing, I love being passionate about something, and boy do I love it when I’m right. But the other day, I began thinking to myself, am I happy that my life is this way? Would I ever change what I identify as, will that make things easier? Not that in my everyday life I face huge, earth-shattering consequences because I am a woman, but even the smaller things add up.

The answer however, is no.

As much as I love to rant about all the challenges the female population face and how sick I am of all the stuff some women have to deal with, I know I would never change who I am for a second. I’m sure identifying as any of the other many genders in and outside the binary is equally if not more fun, and of course, your identity is deeply personal and entirely up to you. It simply depends on what makes you feel most like yourself, and I know for myself that is being a girl. What does that even mean though? I know there’s no set definition or limits to what it means to be a girl and I am kind of in love with it and I don’t think I say it nearly enough. Here’s a couple reasons (in no particular order) why I love being a part of this community:

1) I can cry.

As a woman, I have never been expected to adhere to traditional aspects of masculinity and have always been free, encouraged even, to outwardly express my emotions. I’ve never had to hide my tears in fear that I would be considered less worthy of my identity, and I am so grateful to be able to have this emotional outlet without having to get past certain standards put into place about what I should and should not feel. Yes, there’s that tiny catch where people believe all that emotion running free hinders our ability to do certain tasks….but that’s for another post.

2) I’m a part of this huge family.

There’s something so unifying amongst the female community. We cheer one another on, empathize with each other, empower ourselves. I feel at some deeper level, we all just know and understand each other. It’s truly a sisterhood and every day I get to look up to all these amazing fellow women out there, being badasses and defying all odds, and say “I’m a part of that.”

3) It makes me feel like I’m a force to reckon with.

Fighting the good fight against the patriarchy is tiring, but oh man does it give me a rush. Like I mentioned before, just being able to debate and talk about important issues fuels this fire that I crave and thrive on. There’s still something to strive towards and not everything falls into place, but that’s what makes it interesting.

4) The relationships we form are powerful.

Though everyone’s relationships are diverse and widely vary from person to person, I have just found that the meaningful and successful interactions between women are like no other. The bond between a mother and her daughter, two best friends, two sisters, etc is special and unexplainable almost. There’s just something there that is always blossoming, evolving, to become more and more indestructible.

5) Femininity is a bonus.

Of course, you don’t have to be female to feminine and if you are a woman and don’t want anything to do with femininity that’s awesome too, do what makes you feel like you. For me however, being femme is a big part of my gender expression. I love skirts and softness and fluttery lashes and ruby lips and twirling around in a field full of flowers, all that girly crap. I love it.

6) I am shaped by all of the women before me.

I feel as though I am a result of all the women I have ever met, read about, or looked up to. Each and every one of them have had a part in influencing me to become who I am, and I know they have been forged from the consciousnesses of those before them, as well. We are composed of one another but at the same time are completely one-of-a-kind and entirely multi-faceted.

There is so much more to say but I feel like this is a good place to stop. It’s certainly not easy to be a woman but we are strong as hell because of it. This is just my two cents however, and whatever I mentioned here is kind of particular to me. What do you love about your gender?

[header image // source] [image 1 // source] [ image 2 // source]

10 Incredible Canadians Whom You May Not Know Of

Entertainment

Aaron Wen

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July 24, 2017

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It has come to celebrate 150 years of Canada, 150 years of peace, order and good government. And to 150 years of Canadian history, it is always important to reflect upon the great Canadian humans from coast to coast to coast, who have contributed their lives to make a better country for generations to come. We celebrate 150 years to thank them, to honor the work they have done to put us where we are today and to appraise those who contributed blood, sweat and tears into making such a unified nation.

Among the Canadian Hall of Fame, with the likeness of Chris Hadfield, Wayne Gretzky, Terry Fox, Alexander Graham Bell and any Canadian Prime Minister, there are other names that become muddled in the Canadian Greats, people who, in one way or another, have been forgotten for their great achievements and services to our nation, and our world. This is a tribute to just a few of them (in no particular order) …

James Naismith (Image)

James Naismith, formally known as Dr. James Naismith, was a Canadian physical education instructor born near Almonte, Ontario. While his legacy is forever remembered as one of the great inventors of Canada, his personal life was truly one of loss, as he became an orphan at the age of 10, with both of his parents’ dead from typhoid fever. Studying at McGill for Philosophy, James Naismith spent most of his time as an excelling athlete, competing in rugby, football, lacrosse and gymnastics. This further pushed his career toward becoming a gym teacher in Massachusetts, where he invented the now international sport of basketball. Played with peach baskets nailed to two balconies, the first ever game was played on December 1891, and the rest is history.

Galen Weston (Image)

Image result for galen weston jr

Currently residing in Toronto and holding a Canadian citizenship, Galen Weston was handed his father’s struggling supermarket chain, Loblaws, in 1972. The entire family was originally Irish before Galen Weston and his father moved to Toronto at a young age. Over his lifetime, Galen Weston turned the company around to become one of the greatest supermarket chains in all of Canada, becoming the Executive CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore and JOE Fresh, Galen Weston has now become the 2^nd richest billionaire in Canada with his success in business.

Sir Fredrick Grant Banting (Image)

Born in Alliston, Ontario, at November 1891, Sir Fredrick Grant Banting was one of the most prestigious and decorated Canadians in history. But while his co-discovery of insulin and corresponding Nobel Prize were widely known, there was another set of hobbies and professions which Sir Fredrick Banting had. While being Canada’s first medical researcher, Sir Fredrick Banting was also a successful amateur painter, with links to the well-known Aboriginal Group of Seven and A.J. Jackson, whom both had great influences on his work. His career as an amateur painter was so successful that he could have lived off his paintings alone, with each one selling for 5 digit values at the very least. Today, Sir Fredrick Banting’s name is across the world, in research awards, high schools, and even a crater on the moon. One of the greatest Canadian’s to ever live, and one to be remembered.

Tommy Douglas (Image)

Most people may have heard of the name Tommy Douglas, but very few may remember what monumental achievement he had for Canada. The premier of Saskatchewan for 17 years, as well as a member of the House of Commons, NDP leader Tommy Douglas was mostly known for being the founder of the Medicare act and the father of socialized medicine. To put it simply: HE WAS THE PERSON WHO CREATED FREE HEALTH CARE. Enough said. I do not even care if he was born in Scotland, he not only died in Newfoundland, but made such an impact to our country that he deserves to be considered Canadian more than anyone.

George Stanley (Image)

While you may have known or at least heard of the previous three Canadian heroes, this one may be a bit obscure. Unlike what you may assume, George Stanley, born in Calgary, was not the creator of the Stanley Cup, but was actually the original designer of the now famous Canadian Flag in 1964. George Stanley himself said that the design of the flag would represent Canada, but more importantly, be easy for the children to draw. The sketch was unanimously approved by the committee, and now carries 150 years of history on it’s shoulders. Beyond that, George Stanley was also an author of numerous Canadian novels, many of which told different stories to what was conventional in their time.

Oscar Peterson (Image)

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Oscar Peterson is regarded as one of the greatest jazz pianists in history. It is difficult to have never heard of him before, with appearances in over 200 albums, one Juno, eight Grammy’s, the first ever winner of the Government General Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, a place in the Canadian Hall of Fame, and a place in the International Jazz Hall of Fame. His biography is so extravagant that it is nearly impossible for me to summarize it in less than 100 words, but the best I can do is mention that he was the first Canadian Jazz Star at the age of around 20, conquering all of Canada with his music at around the age of 24, and then taking the world by storm from there.

Tom Longboat (Image)

A member of the Onondaga nation, Tom Longboat was most well known for being one of the best marathoners of his time. Previously winning the Boston Marathon a whole 4 minutes and 59 seconds faster than anyone else in the race, Tom Longboat won the Professional Champion of the World in long distance running. Ironically enough, Tom Longboat’s coaches said he was too lazy, and would never win anything. Inspiration off of Tom Longboat’s achievements led to the creation of the “strategic break,” for athletes to have relaxation days in order to perform better in training.

Denys Arcand (Image)

Born in Deschambault, Quebec, Denys Arcand is one of Canada’s most decorated filmmakers in both French and English. Denys Arcand started his directing career with hour long French documentaries, many of which were notorious for being scurrilous and controversial, often being banned for years in Canada. Regardless, no ban could take away Denys Arcand’s talent for filmmaking, as he won the Quebec Critics Prize for his provocative piece on the cynicism of the political process, Confort et l’difference. From there, Arcand went on to make French films, winning a myriad of awards like Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay and Best Foreign Film for The Decline of the American Empire in 1986 and Jesus of Montreal in 1989. He then went on to create films in English such as Stardom and Love and Human Remains. In 2005, Denys Arcand was named Companion of the Order of Canada, recognizing individuals for their exceptional achievements of national or international significance.

Laura Secord (Image)

A figure of older Canadian history, Laura Secord is historically acclaimed as a heroine of Canada in the War of 1812. As history tells it, Laura Secord accidentally caught information about an American surprise assault on the British forces by a general named James (no last name provided). Unfortunately, due to injury, James was unable to deliver the message to the British forces located 12 miles away. Laura, in an act of courage, decided to run over 20 miles (to avoid American troops) to inform the British forces, but was soon caught by Aboriginal allies in the forest. After explaining her predicament, the American invaders were ambushed by the Aboriginals on June 1813, and surrendered their entire force to Canada. In the triumphant victory, no mention was made of the heroic efforts of Laura Secord until she was 85 years of age.

Sir William Stephenson (Image)

Sir William Stephenson, nicknamed “Intrepid,” was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1897. To many, he is an unknown figure of society, but many would be interested to know that Sir William Stephenson was the most accurate reincarnation of movie star James Bond. In fact, the character of James Bond, in both movies and books, was actually based on his stories. For those who are now interested (which is basically everyone), Sir William Stephenson worked as a spy for prominent figures like Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. In his lifetime, Sir William Stephenson worked to build the Office of Strategic Services, the U.S. intelligence wing in the second World War, and stole Nazi war production secrets and Axis operatives in South America. If that is not James Bond enough, it has also been said that Sir William Stephenson also had a love for martinis. Hilarious.

And there you have it, 10 of many Canadian greats who have shaped our country to the greatness that it is today. So throughout this year, and throughout life, take a moment to appreciate how you have come to this world shaped by your hard-working predecessors, and realize that within your life you have a role to fill: to make this world a slightly brighter place than before.

Reference Photo

Spider man: Homecoming

Entertainment

Ananya Arya

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July 24, 2017

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Before reading about my amazing adventure on the first Friday of July, I must warn you about all the spoilers for the new Spider-Man: Homecoming movie.

On Friday, the 7th, after having written my exam and a long week at summer school, a good friend of mine and I had made the plan to go see the Spider-Man: Homecoming movie. I went in fully prepared to be disappointed. Had I known I would fall completely in love with this new actor (name?) who is returning (from what/where) my all-time favourite superhero in the Marvel Universe. This Spiderman movie was quite special for me because the day that it released was actually my 10-year anniversary staying in Canada! I’ve lived in this country the longest I’ve lived in any other country in my whole life and this has been a day I’ve been looking forward to since I was 7 years old. Personally I am not one who believes in fate, I do believe Spider-Man releasing on my 10 year anniversary was fate for a big fan like me.

My friend had booked tickets at a theatre in Northeast Calgary, but we happened to be at a different theatre. We ran into the manager and he was kind enough to give us free passes because he felt bad that we were there prepared to see the movie, read already bought a popcorn, poutine and drinks. There was already a showtime of Spiderman and since we’ve only missed 10 minutes of the movie we decided to watch. We asked the concession for the passes to the running Spider-Man movie and he told us to go to the 10 theatre; it turns out we paid for the regular movie tickets and he got to see it in IMAX 3D! We got a bang for our buck. The movie was fantastic. I loved how Tony Stark was like his father figure in this and how we didn’t yet again have to watch Uncle Ben die because that would just too painful. I like how this Peter does not use Bing like in Andrew Garfield’s portrayal and actually looks pretty young even though I know for a fact he isn’t. But I probably loved most about this movie is that Tom Holland did most of his own stunts. Mary Jane didn’t have her iconic red hair, I don’t know why but it just bothered me. I don’t see why he had to have an extra love interest that he was never truly going to pursue.

Another thing I really couldn’t appreciate about this movie was how young Aunt May was. If you do the math, she would have to be around 17 years old if she was to receive Peter at age 3, if his parents left him in her care which I just don’t see possible. But I did like his best friend and his need to be the guy in the chair and his little back up buddy and I loved how when they disabled the training wheels protocol it was whole new level of fun and his little bonding time with Karen in the storage cell. But the after after credit scene with Roger’s killed me. Captain America talked about the virtue of patience and I couldn’t believe I waited for that, I waited 15 minutes for Captain America to talk about patience! I was so disappointed yet entertained I wish I could have cried!

I think this new Spider-Man has the potential to really grow and make an impact on the kids today and being a kid who grew up with Tobey Maguire and watch the original Spider-Man movie every single day after school that can truly say I was happy with this new Spider-Man. I hope that they continue to make the movie as good as they did this time.

The Beginner’s Guide to Bullet Journaling

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Hui Wen Zheng

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July 13, 2017

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It’s a trend that has become more and more popular recently, and has provided its users with a way to easily lay out their lives on paper. Bullet journaling is often regarded by many as an intersect between mindfulness and productivity, which is why it’s such as useful tool in our past-paced, digitized lives. Due to the flexible and highly customizable nature of the bullet journal, it is easy to have misconceptions as to what a bullet journal actually is. To start, a bullet journal is simply a new way for you to organize your life.

796 vind-ik-leuks, 16 reacties - joos | bullet journal newbie (@bu.joos) op Instagram: 'J U N E // weekly Today my little sister turned 17 and it's 30 degrees. The perks of being born in…' — (x)

Unlike a conventional journal where you write in paragraphs of your experiences, a bullet journal is used more to keep track of tasks and make all of the little things you need to do in life less overwhelming. You might be a good candidate to start a bullet journal if you:

Enjoy making lists
Enjoy using an agenda to keep track of your daily activities
Like creative freedom
Want to stay organized in many different aspects of your life

Interested in starting your own bullet journal? Being the organized person you are, it’s also important to plan out your journal ahead of time to ensure it’s something you enjoy referring to and feel inspired by. Read below to see the different components that will help you get started.

YOUR BASE

Your base is your actual journal book, and there are many different brands, designs, and styles you can choose from. The most conventional format for bullet journals is the dotted grid. Popular brands include the Leuchtturm hardcover journal and the Moleskine brand. Both brands make high quality products, and give you a variety of choices in terms of colour, cover style, and inside contents.

Image result for bullet journal leuchtturm — (x)

You may also choose a different format for your journal. You can simply use a normal lined journal if that would help you stay organized better and suits your desired layout. Personally, I like to have some structure and don’t have the artistic ability or time to be able to create aesthetically pleasing layouts all the time, so I use a hardcover Moleskine weekly planner that is one side agenda and one side blanked lined sheet for me to create my lists so I can still have some structure. A hardcover notebook also withstands regular wear-and-tear better than a softcover, as I am very rarely found without my planner by my side.

Image result for moleskine weekly planner — The Moleskine Weekly Planner (x)

LAYOUT AND ORGANIZATION

There are many different ways you may choose to lay out your bullet journal. Many people will create a monthly spread that will allow them to see their activities for the month at a glance, then have weekly or daily spreads. Some may also insert pages with goals, to-do lists, or even reflections that is at frequencies to their own desire (eg. daily, weekly, monthly) The beauty of the bullet journal lies here in the user’s ability to include what is most compatible with their life. Determining how you want to lay out your journal is very important, and you definitely want to do your research and think through your sections before you make it permanent through pen. You can find inspiration for layouts and how to organize your lists on platforms such as Pinterest, and even with a simple Google search.

438 vind-ik-leuks, 15 reacties - joos | bullet journal newbie (@bu.joos) op Instagram: 'M A Y // food ideas My love for food is big. Everybody who knows me knows how to make me happy.…' — (x)

If you’re new to the bullet journaling community or are just looking for some inspiration here are 10 awesome Instagram accounts that you should go and follow (if you aren’t already!) @showmeyourplanner One of my personal favorites for all things planner/bujo inspiration. I go there for fresh ideas and new people to follow for further inspiration. Bree | @breeeberry Bree has some of the cutest layou — (x)

Symbols: apart from the actual content and layout of your journal, you can also use customized symbols to allow you to quickly distinguish the status of your tasks. The Leuchtturm bullet journals have a built-in key for you to create your own symbols, but even if you don’t have a pre-made page in your journal dedicated to that, you should create one that goes at the beginning of your book. There are so many different symbols you can use and assign in many different ways, but given that you want these to be a quick visual reminder, so my advice is to keep it simple!

AESTHETIC

Now that you have an idea of how you want your journal to be laid out and organized, it’s time for the funnest part — making it even more your own by using unique lettering and incorporating your own artwork into your journal:

lettering: Depending on the style you are trying to emulate with your journal, you’ll want to practice different methods of lettering. There is a ton of inspiration you can find online and also lots of Youtube videos demonstrating different techniques.

art & doodles: Adding little doodles and artistic embellishments to your bullet journal layout will add personality. These can be doodles in itself, or you can work them into the layout of your actual journal. While not everyone is naturally artistic, you can look for inspiration everywhere: in nature, in objects, and online.

Te enseña cosas muy prácticas para decorar More — (x)

Otafest 2017 – Overview

Rosie Zhao

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July 13, 2017

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While most of you were enjoying the celebrations around the city during Canada Day weekend, I was enjoying my time volunteering and checking out the events at Otafest 2017. In case you aren’t familiar, Otafest is an annual anime/gaming convention that has been running since 1999. Although it was first held at the University of Calgary, the venue has since moved to the Telus Convention Centre in Downtown Calgary. It was my first time ever attending this convention, and I have to say that I have been missing out on this wonderful event for the past few years. Otafest was a great event to be a part of because…

1. It is fit for all anime/gaming enthusiasts, whether amateur or experienced.

One of the panels at Otafest! This was the Q&A session for Jerry Jewell, the voice actor for Viktor from the anime Yuri on Ice.

Despite its growing popularity, anime is still a pretty unfamiliar topic in Western culture. Anime conventions like Otafest might seem to only be fit for those “hardcore otakus” – someone obsessed with Japanese culture – but that’s not the case at all! If you’ve only watched a couple of anime based on your friends’ recommendations, Otafest is a great opportunity to check out new animes through their scheduled viewing shows or their panels. The panels ranged from competitions with prizes to Q&As about specific anime.

There was an entire hall for board gaming and video gaming!

Otafest has also transformed into a convention fit for gamers; an entire hall was dedicated to video gaming AND board games! Not only could I enjoy playing new board games with my brother, but there were tournaments going on and casual video gaming on consoles for the public to try. Overall, I was able to experience a lot of new games and anime during my time at Otafest.

Two new games we learned! Tanto Cuore is an anime-themed deck-building game and Patchwork involves earning points through creating a quilt within a 9×9 square!

2. The attendees are some of the nicest and most inspiring people you will meet.

Cosplayers are probably one of the few types of strangers that you can approach, ask for a photograph, and have a great conversation on a whim. Cosplay is an art in of itself; all of the characters- from those simple, “lifehack” DIYs to intricate and extravagant cosplays- were inspiring to look at because it showed their passion and dedication to the con experience. It’s always satisfying to see one of your favourite characters on the screen come to real life – shoutout to one of the attendees who cosplayed Zero, or Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass! We had a great conversation about the anime and its upcoming third season. Check out the Otafest 2017 Photobooth album to see the great cosplays!

Winners and some runner-ups for Miss and Mr Otafest, a cosplay contest!

A cosplay of Lelouch/Zero from Code Geass!

3. It is an appealing marketplace that goes towards a great cause.

What would a convention be without its merchandise? The biggest site of attraction at Otafest is its Vendors Hall/Artists Alley, where shops and artists are given an outlet to sell anime and gaming merchandise. Over the course of the convention, I developed a love-hate relationship for this area, because the art was AMAZING but once you started to buy, it was hard to stop. Guilty pleasure of splurging on anime merchandise: check.

However, I really appreciate Otafest giving these artists the opportunity to sell their art, and for the attendees to buy high-quality prints and other merchandise of their favourite characters without having to travel to Japan to get them. Otafest also raised over $11,000 for the Tom Baker Cancer Centre this year through donations, admission tickets, sketch drive, and charity auctions!

An artist at Otafest’s Sketch Drive! Just pay a small fee and get a personal drawing within 15 minutes!

Mishaps and all, Otafest 2017 was an amazing experience for both my volunteerism and my interests in anime. If you are a potential anime enthusiast, I highly recommend getting together with friends and attending next year – Otafest 2018 has already been announced, with the convention being on the May long weekend so you don’t have to miss out on Canada Day celebrations! Furthermore, the guest of honour is Matt Mercer, who you might know as Levi from Attack on Titan, Kiritsugu Emiya from Fate/Zero, McCree from the game Overwatch, and more! If it’s your first time attending one of these conventions, Otafest has announced a “Season of Otafest” for its 20th anniversary, with free community events leading up to the 2018 convention!

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Ticket sales for Otafest 2018 will be coming out this Wednesday July 12; however, if the admission price was a reason that barred you from attending previously, then volunteer! As a volunteer, you are entitled to free admission over the 3 days so you can wander the venue outside of your shifts. This is a great opportunity for us, as youths of Calgary, to expand our volunteerism — even outside of Youth Central. I hope to see some of you there next year!

Image Sources: 1/2/3/4/5/Featured

20 Things I’ve Learned During Two Years of Late French Immersion

Kiana Baghban

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July 13, 2017

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I didn’t know that two years ago, when I was a little bundle of nerves on the first day of Grade 7, I was in for one of the sweetest treats of my life so far: Late French Immersion. Now looking back on these past years, I can’t believe that they’re finished and I came out alive and well.

The late French immersion program is meant to teach it’s students French in two years, and bring them up to the level of the continuing immersions, who’ve been in French since elementary. We (the lates) stay separate from the continuings for Grade 7 and 8 and then we join forces in Grade 9, so to speak.

To be honest, I was so tired by the end of June that I really didn’t want to give a thought to school for the next two months, I guess I needed some time to let it all sink in. But, without further ado, let’s jump right into it:

1. You can never have enough paper.

Always, always, always, always have an extra stash somewhere, because even if it’s incoherent doodling or the notes for your next open book social test, you’ll always be needing more.

2. Conjugation and grammar workbooks and drills will be your best friend and worst nightmare.

They can be the reason you master passé composé in two weeks, and also the reason why you have cramps and chicken-scratch writing for the rest of the day.

3. Google Translate will haunt you every time you’re procrastinating on that FLA project at midnight.

Need I say more?

4. The French keyboard will be the death of you.

Until you Google it up, good luck trying to find those quotation and question marks for that ELA essay.

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5. Trying to find the spelling of a word in the so-called ‘Petit’ Robert will be a ten-minute job.

And when you do find it, make sure you take note of the page because you’ll be coming back for the masculine and feminine of the word in two minutes.

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6. It will also be the end of the world when your teacher tries to be economic in paper and tells you not to write on the test.

But, what about those last-minute conjugations I was stuffing into my head? Where will I scribble them all out?

7. There will always be an exception in every type of conjugation that you try to learn.

Don’t get me started on the exceptions in the exceptions.

8. Until you learn the names of all the accents, it’s gonna be the ‘hat accent’ and the ‘left, oh wait, my left, your right accent’.

I think I’ve spent three days of my life trying to figure out which way the accent is pointing.

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9. There will always be that awkward moment when you see your teacher outside of class and you don’t know whether to say hi in French or English.

And when you DO choose, 99% of the time your teacher chose the other language so you have this awkward bilingual conversation where you say: Je vais go hiking cette weekend avec ma family.

10. Not being able to remember some words that will be beneficial to you in your educational career, but also never being able to write some words in English again.

Italian will always be Italien to me and I will never be taking danse classes.

11. You can never make everyone happy.

There will always be that one teacher, classmate, or random person who will always rub you the wrong way. You just have to keep your cool and show respect, easier said than done though.

12. But, you will meet some unforgettable people.

Sure, some people may hate your guts, but 95% of the population will make your school day a paradise.

13. Everything will pass.

Even if you have two projects due, three tests to write, and about a billion things to do this week, trust me, you’ll survive.

14. You can’t control what people say, but you can control how you react to it.

Even though this may be cliché, it still proves very true and I wish I had learned this earlier.

15. Anxiety and negative thoughts can either hold you back and push you forward.

In my early days of late French, I was so nervous that when I was called on, I would say something like: Je ne talk pas bon French. But soon, every ‘you can’t’ that came to torture me, I would turn it into, ‘you got this.’

16. Sometimes it’s good to take a step back and relax, because you will look back, and look at all the great opportunities that you missed.

17. Failure is the foundation for success.

This may be super cliché, but still deems true. A failed quiz tells you what you should pay attention to in the final.

18. Nobody is watching you.

So go ahead, laugh louder, smile wider, cry harder, and enjoy life.

19. The only competition you have is with yourself.

The only person you should compare yourself with is yesterday’s you.

20. Sometimes you need to let go of someone. Whether it’s an old friend, a teacher that’s leaving, whoever, if they’re trying to hold back your success and are constantly occupying your mind when they shouldn’t be, let go. It may sting at first, but your future self will look back on you and thank you.

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A Reason to Live

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Fatima Saleem

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July 10, 2017

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Volunteering is a powerful experience.

Give a little time; get a whole lot out of it. You can learn so much by serving the world around you, and you can quite literally find yourself in this maze of a world that labels us. I’ve made so many amazing connections, and met such inspirational people along the way that it continues to astound me every single day. Our life should not be focused on merely our cotton candy dreams and our ambitions; we need to open our eyes, and realize that there is so much more around us, that we are a part of something bigger. Only when we take a little bit of time out of our demanding and convoluted lives, observe the suffering around us, or the magical smiles, our life becomes worth living. Each time we notice a young boy on the street begging for food, or that blind man whose family has abandoned him in the hospital, we become more human, and this sympathy that arises in both you and I pushes us to live for others. So, grant someone a wish and you’ll be unbelievably happy because they’re happy.

With that being said, I’ve come up with a number of organizations that I’d personally like to get involved in, or already am a part of. Keep in mind that all of these are what I am fervent about, and you may not necessarily be interested in them. Follow your passions, and make a difference.

Foothills Hospital has taught me quite a bit about gratitude, as well as caring for everyone and anyone. I’ve been a way finder for about a year now, and it is definitely much more than showing someone the way to the ICU pods or to the Tom Baker Cancer Center. Everyone has their own story, especially the patients and their relatives. You get to be there for someone during a difficult time, listening emphatically. People have been through so much that it teaches you to be thankful for your life, for every single body part that you have. Take a minute to imagine what your life would be like as a leukemia patient stuck within the confining walls of a hospital building.
Camp Bonaventure is a day camp for children of varying ages with disabilities. It was bit of a car ride for me, located in the South, but this experience was the best teacher I’ve ever had, showing me a variety of lessons from leadership to hope. You assist someone in realizing that there are no such things as disabilities, that there is more to them, and that they can grow their potential through horseback riding, swimming, wall climbing, and sailing. If you’re active, enjoy having fun and don’t get easily frustrated, this is great for you. Be the reason that someone smiles, and spends their entire life smiling!

The last one that I’m going to elaborate on is Youth Are Awesome, a remarkable Youth Central committee. If writing is anything but a chore to you that you’re forced to do in English class, and you’ve got a lot on your plate during the upcoming school year, sign up! I’m referring to all you Grade 12 IB students. You get your voice heard, while improving your writing skills. Share your experiences, and challenge others to try something new.

More suggestions:

Community Works
Canadian Diabetes Association
Telus Sparks & Glenbow Museum
The Drop-in Center
Mayor’s Youth Council
Alberta Children’s Hospital
Canadian Cancer Society

Reconsider the reason you volunteer. Is it to build a life, or a university application? Youth Central works to provide these volunteer opportunities and many more throughout Calgary. Check out the website to register as a volunteer!

Images/Videos: 1, 2,3, 4,5

5 Household Products that You’ve Been Using Wrong

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Annie Wang

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July 10, 2017

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Using Vinegar to Clean Everything

Vinegar is not only a seasoning product but also a cheap and natural cleaner. We can use it to brighten coffee cups, clean the toilet and loosen the carpet stain, however, if you are using vinegar to clean every surfaces, please stop right there! If you’ve got hardwood floors and you use vinegar to clean them, the acidity in the vinegar will actually strip the surface and ruin its shine over time. Next time, use a neutral- pH cleanser or a specifically formulated one for hardwood instead.

Swipe the Same Sponge Everywhere

The sponge is a really useful as a household product. We can use a sponge to clean dishes, wipe down the counter-top, and scrub stains off the floor. If you use the same sponge to clean everything and don’t clean it regularly, The dirty sponge will contain bacteria. For example, you use the sponge to clean up egg yolk spills that contain bacteria and then use it to wipe the counter-top. The bacteria will transfer to the counter-top as well.

Using Antibacterial Wipes on Your Screens

Your friend’s got the flu—break out the wipes! But if you are tempted to wipe your laptop monitor, you should stop doing that. The wipes contain harsh chemicals which will corrode the screen and the liquid will likely get inside the computer. Microfiber cloth with a teeny bit of water is a good way to clean the screen without damaging it.

Popping Reusable Plastic Containers into the Microwave

As a lazy person, I love popping the leftovers directly into the microwave with the container and I will have dinner in few minutes. How efficient! But we should be aware of that not all the plastic storage containers are microwave-safe. If they are not, the high temperatures will make the container to leak plastic into your food. Therefore, before you reheat your next leftovers, check the bottom of the container to see if its microwave-safe.

Dumping in the Laundry Detergent

A family generally does more than seven loads of laundry a week, but if you never paying attention to how much laundry detergent you use and just dump it in the machine, you are probably using way more than you actually need which is a waste of money. Its really important to read the instructions on the laundry detergent and measure accordingly. Your clothes will be the same clean!

source: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

How to Stay Active on a Budget This Summer

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Emily Donville

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July 10, 2017

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Summer can be a tumultuous time for fitness junkies. Between the Calgary Stampede’s seemingly endless catalogue of deep-fried delights and new insta-worthy treats popping up on your feed, finding the time and willpower to stay fit can quickly disappear out the window. Add in the expenses associated with obtaining a gym membership and the resolve to stay healthy can seem almost as disenchanting as the thought of another four years of Trump rule. *Shudder* Nevertheless, I’ve taken it upon myself to come up with some low-budget means of staying fit this summer. If you’ve ever wanted to join a gym or explore new places, then I’m sure you’ll find one of these options to be just right for you.

The City of Calgary’s Summer Youth Passport – $50

The city of Calgary is currently offering youth ages 7-17 youth passports priced at $50. These allow youth passport holders unlimited swimming, skating, and gym activities between July 1st – August 31, 2017. Regular youth passes cost $30.70 a month, meaning you save 10$ by taking advantage of this opportunity. For more information on acquiring a summer youth passport, click here.

GoodLife’s Teen Fitness Program – Free!

Every summer, GoodLife fitness offers youth ages 12-17 a Teen Fitness membership. Participating teens in the program have full club access with the following exceptions: pool, sauna, whirlpools, certain free weights/machines, Hot Yoga and indoor tanning program. If you have no money but still want to stay fit, this is a great opportunity. For more information on the program, click here.

City of Calgary Cycling and Walking Routes – Free!

The city of Calgary is full of cycling and walking routes. This is a great way to get fit while enjoying the sunshine, and the best part? It’s free! For your convenience, the city of Calgary has carefully catalogued all the cycling and walking routes in the city on their website, which you can access here. You can either pick a route that runs through a city park or one that incorporates local attractions. This is a great way to get out and explore the city and maybe discover something new!

City of Calgary Wading Pools, Spray Parks and Outdoor Pools – 0-7$

Wanna cool off while staying active? The city of Calgary has a vast amount of wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools dispersed around the city. There’s bound to be one near your community, and depending on where you go, the admission is free or relatively inexpensive. For more information and a list of locations, click here.

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How ‘Wonder Woman’ Changes the Game for Diversity in Hollywood

Entertainment

Dhriti Gupta

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July 6, 2017

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Unless your place of residence is located somewhere underneath a large boulder, you’ve probably heard about the massive success of DC’s newest superhero flick, Wonder Woman. Critically acclaimed, the movie has racked up the title of most successful opening weekend for a female-directed movie. Highly anticipated and directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman earned a global opening total of $103.1 million, rising above legendary superhero blockbusters like Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Iron Man (2008), both Thor movies, and even Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).

Being a female directed and female fronted film starring Israeli breakout actress, Gal Gadot, as the lead, it was not initially expected to be as much of a smash hit it turned out to be. In fact, for the upcoming addition to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Justice League, which plans to introduce characters like Aquaman, Cyborg, and the Flash, significant reshoots are currently being taped to include more Wonder Woman screen time amongst her 6 other male co-stars.

But why is the positive reception to a mainly female led film with a POC (person of colour) lead still a surprise in 2017?

Because…not much has changed in terms of opportunities for women and minorities in film. Despite the increased attention and demand for minority-centered media, according to a report from UCLA, people of color still represent a small portion of 12.9% among lead actors of feature films and 2% in broadcast TV shows. Women directors of film are outnumbered by a factor 12 to 1 by men. And yet, Wonder Woman was the DCEU’s saving grace. Rising from the ashes, Wonder Woman has been a major win for the franchise after the failed attempts with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Suicide Squad (2016), both male directed films, with a majority of white, male leads. It has a 93% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, one of the highest scores for a film in the superhero genre, and 1% away from beating DC’s biggest success, The Dark Knight (2008).

In fact, after analyzing statistics from 413 films released between 2014-2016, the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), released a report detailing that:

“at every budget level, a cast that is at least 30% non-white outperforms a release that is not, in opening weekend box office”

And still, female led and minority inclusive media is not given as much financial opportunity in the film industry. However, something is beginning to stir. After recent successes like Wonder Woman and Academy Award-winning films like Moonlight (2016), the audiences are hungering for more diversity and representation in film. Positive changes are being made, however slowly, and now we have films like Black Panther, Spiderman: Homecoming, and Pitch Perfect 3 all of which are big-budget productions that are either female-led or minority inclusive/central.

Comprehensively, Hollywood has a little work to do. Trailblazers like Wonder Woman are set to transform the industry and whether film companies are ready for it or not, diversity will change the game.

[header image // source] [image 1 // source] [image 2 // source]

12 out of 12: An Ending Note.

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Danielle Leong

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July 6, 2017

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I graduated?

Even though it’s been nearly a month, I still have to pinch myself as I speak these words out loud. After twelve years of formal education, I, among with the 636 students of the Sir Winston Churchill High School graduating class of 2017, walked across the stage and received my diploma, before thousands of faces, familiar and unfamiliar. Graduation day and night was phenomenal, and an extremely special experience that I won’t soon forget.

But now it’s over- not only grad, but high school. The realization that I will be leaving my second home, the high school with so many of my close friends and teachers, is dawning on me. If I had to use one word to describe how it feels to be leaving behind my many years of schooling that have become dear to me, it would be “bittersweet.”

Behind me I am leaving adventures that have shaped me, and yet before me I know that many more await.

High school especially has presented to me some of the highest highs and lowest lows of life so far- the best of times and the worst. It’s been one heck of a ride, that’s for sure, but as I reflect back upon my experience, there is hardly a thing I would have done differently. Mistakes were made, and plenty of them. But had I done a single thing otherwise, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

My looking back at my journey with a smile.

However, just because I personally would not have had anything any other way, it doesn’t mean that I can’t pass on what I’ve learned from my shortcomings to the world- perhaps someone out there will learn from where I went wrong, and avoid making the same mistakes!

Therefore, here are some pieces of advice that I think will take your life, no matter what stage you are at, to the next level. Sure, these lessons were learned in a school environment, but in a way, a high school is like a mini society, and these words of wisdom can be applied anywhere and everywhere.

I decided to divide the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained into 12 main thoughts, to commemorate my 12 years of education. (hence the title of this blog) Enjoy!

LOVE yourself, BELIEVE in yourself, and be TRUE to yourself.

A friend and I at my school’s annual Model United Nations conference, one of my favourite hobbies!

Trust me when I say this- you will be the happiest when you do things for you, pursue what fulfills you, and make your own decisions. Sure, others may all be good at science, but if you’re good at english, that’s equally as amazing. Be confident in who you are and who you want to be, and be fearless of the opinions of those around you. As the famous saying goes, those who matter won’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter.

There are many choices to make in life- If you find that you’re trying to decide between one option or another, simply think about what makes you happy and excited. Sure, have some consideration of the outcome of your choice, but you as an individual will thrive when you choose to do what puts the biggest smile on your face.

2. If you want it, you’re gonna have to work for it…

This photo was taken in my second year of Junior Achievement, when I was the Vice President of Marketing!

I noticed something in high school… the harder I worked for something, be it a mark, an award, or anything that I desired to achieve, the more I received what I set out for. Hard work does pay off– often it’s extremely difficult to stop procrastinating and just do the work, but once you overcome the difficult first step of getting started, it becomes easier. Tip: leave your phone and all access to social media on a different floor of the house!

3. Spend time with people who build you up, and avoid the ones who bring you down

My best friend and I- we’re always lifting each other up!

In junior high, and right about till the end of high school, I felt the need to be nice to everyone, even the people who treated me awfully. But as the years progressed, I learned to stand up for myself and be real with myself- and it feels so much better than lying and telling myself that I’m not bothered when people treat me poorly. There will be people in life who deliberately try to bring negativity into your world, but all you have to do is not let them- if this is the case for you, find others who appreciate you and like you for who you are, and invest in relationships with them. You’ll find that as you pursue the relationships which add meaning into your life, the toxic ones which usher in negativity will fade away.

4. Try new things..in moderation.

Members of the Youth Are Awesome family at the YODA awards!

In Freshman year of high school, I joined every. single. club and extracurricular activity that sparked a mild interest in me… Sure, it was a great way to meet people and have fun, but soon I was super stressed and overwhelmed, and I seemed to have lost my purpose and forgotten my priorities. It’s great to join new things, but in moderation-so you can balance school, chores, and spending quality time with friends and family. In Junior year and Senior year, I focused not on the quantity of activities I did outside of school, but on how the activity enriched me. For example, instead of doing a billion business clubs, I focused on advancing in a single one to a leadership position that provided enrichment for me.

If you’re trying to participate in a bunch of activities for the resume/university application, keep in mind that they don’t look for mere quantity- everyone can put down a billion different “commitments”. Instead, try to develop strong relationships with individuals who will be able to reinforce what you proclaim about yourself, and establish meaningful and important roles in your engagements.

5. Karma comes back around, so treat others the way you’d want to be treated.

Be a good person- it’s as simple as that. Throughout the years of my schooling, I watched people who did bad things or were mean to others receive bad karma. Believe in it or not, but somehow being kind always seems to pay off. Besides, why not? The world could always use a little more kindness. Also, being honest is a must- if you do something like cheating or lying, be warned that it’ll come back to bite you. A possible valedictorian candidate at my school had made it to the final round, when it was revealed that he had cheated on his physics test in grade 11, and then after that there was no more valedictorian prospects for him.

6. Speak up for yourself, and talk about things, even when you really don’t want to.

Taken when I participated in the Speak Your Mind Project, a project established by youth to campaign for mental health awareness.

If other people are pushing jokes a bit too far, or making fun of you to the extent that it hurts and bothers you, don’t just sit there and let yourself be bullied… politely defend yourself. There’s nothing worse than being the punching bag of a group of people, even if they seem like your friends. Also, if something happened and it’s really bothering you, talk to someone about it, no matter how small or petty you think it is. This is a lesson I learned too late in my opinion, because it would have came in handy on many other occasions. It’s always hard to open up to people, but the feeling of peace that many of us experience after doing so makes it more than worth it.

7. Take (calculated) risks!

A photo of my SUNIA summer camp experience… I signed up and took a risk, and it was beyond worth it.

Let’s just say that if I hadn’t taken risks in high school, I would be completely, utterly bored with my life. Risks are, well, risky, that’s for sure. But imagine yourself as an 80-year-old. Would you rather have lived a life of regret, or a life where you’re happy with everything you’ve accomplished? Often times, when risks result in failure, it stings, but it also teaches us lessons. Mistakes are, in the end, stepping stones which shape and push us to become who we want to be. I can’t imagine how unhappy I would be right now if I hadn’t taken the risks I have. Want to try debate but you’re afraid? Go for it. Want to try out for a sports team but you’re afraid you won’t make it? Go for it. However, don’t go down the wrong pathway and take ‘risks’ that will hurt you... Take risks that will, no matter what, benefit you in some way, shape or form.

As President of my JA company this year, I took a risk and built this sign as a marketing tactic… it ended up winning an award!

8. Ask lots and lots of questions- if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

My mom told me this rule of thumb when I was young, and it has saved me during countless incidents. Whether it be asking the bus driver when the right stop was, asking for extensions on school projects, asking for clarifications about schoolwork, asking people for favours, or even asking people to hang out, questions truly pay off. You’d be surprised how much the answer is something you want to hear! Also, here’s a tip: when asking questions, think carefully- successful people ask the right questions!

9. Enjoy yourself.

Me in my last year of high school with my friends, on the DECA international business trip!

Sometimes, we as students get so caught up in the workload of high school and life that we forget that our years of formal education are some of the most special in our lives. Perhaps it seems like you have mountains of work that you don’t even want to touch, but take a step back, and realize that right now you are basically living a life free of the worser type of stress. Stressing about taxes, bills, mortgages, who’s going to put three meals a day on your family’s plates..the fact is, as first-world students, we live a very privileged and fortunate lifestyle. So enjoy it! Make sure you spend time with your friends and family while you can, sit back and appreciate everything you have once in a while, and acknowledge that those seemingly boring classes only happen when they happen! Already, some of my classroom memories are beginning to feel nostalgic…

10. Develop meaningful relationships (with peers AND teachers).

Some of my company members and myself, with the Junior Achievement coordinators!

Relationships are like bank accounts- you get out what you put in. A special thing about going to school with the same people for years is that you have numerous opportunities to cultivate friendships, maybe even lifelong friendships, with them. It requires an effort- of course, nothing worth having comes easy. But if you attempt to get to know others and establish genuine connections, you’ll find that it’s quite rewarding. Although I love spending time with myself, a wonderful part of life is bonding and creating memories with other human beings. Your teachers might seem foreign at first, but most are pretty friendly, and it always makes a teacher’s day when a student makes an effort to talk to them. (also, if you end up needing a reference letter someday, the teachers you take the time to form connections with will be more than willing.)

11. Go on school trips, and trips in general…

The DECA conference at Disneyland and California was amazing.

School trips (and I mean the week-long trips, not day field trips) moved my high school experience from good to unforgettable. Oftentimes, specific clubs/courses will offer the opportunity for you to travel with a select group of students inside or even outside of the country. These trips are truly special, but you won’t know how life-changing they are till you try! Whether it be a model UN trip, Sports trip, debate trip, business trip, or exchange program, I highly recommend jumping at the opportunity to travel with your peers.

This Model United Nations trip to Toronto is my favourite school trip so far.

12. Don’t stress too much about the future.

I admit that I myself am still struggling with this one- the question of who I want to be, where I see myself in 20 years, what I want to do with my life… it’s always at the back of my mind. However, if you’re like me, remember that we have to take a step back and realize that we have our entire lives ahead of us, and everything usually works out, some way or another, in the end. Sometimes, the stress of what our future looks like becomes so strong that it overrides our power to live in the present. Don’t become so caught up in what might happen later that you forget to enjoy what’s happening now!

Well, there it is– my mini reflection on the first chapter of life. 12 extra lessons that weren’t taught in any school curriculum, but ones that will remain in my heart as life goes on.

Best wishes to anyone who may have stumbled across this post!

-Signing off one last time as a Senior,

Danielle

Quebec 2017 !

Entertainment

Hilary Guo

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July 6, 2017

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Recently (April actually), I went on a trip to Quebec (Ottawa and Montreal) with my school! And realising how much I love to watch travel vlogs, I decided to make one so I could share my trip with you guys! There isn’t any speaking in this because I hate hearing my recorded voice, so this leans more towards a “travel diary” rather than a vlog, but it’s still interesting I guarantee!

Thanks for watching!

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Welcome Home

Uncategorized

Aaron Wen

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July 6, 2017

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On June 17, 2017, a Chinese TV Program called “Wait for Me,” based on finding lost relatives of different families and uniting them togethers after decades of separation, broadcasted an episode about a 50-year-old man who spent 18 years of his life going across approximately 300 cities and towns in China to find his lost son. The last time the son was seen by the father was a train station, where the son was kidnapped and sold off in a horrific act of human trafficking. In the process of finding his child, this 50-year old man was able to find over 50 lost or kidnapped orphans and return them to their parents, making him a national hero. However, not only was he unable to find his son on the show, but just a few days before taping, the man’s mother passed away at 86 years of age. This poem is a fictional rendition of this man’s journey and story.

Walk up three steps to the door,

See “Welcome” on the floor,

The dust of 18 years’ takes it’s toll.

The lock and key are a familiar sound,

The sound of a child from home unbound,

Who with his stick and string walks out to the world,

a world which is his oyster.

He opens the door to a window of his past,

when night was slow and day was fast,

And now he sees the scene once more,

but it’s much less sweet and instead sore,

To see a lifeless room of ash and tears.

The only sound to crack the silence,

are the tears of a broken tap,

and the screams of a tempest outside.

He scours the house for a sign of life,

only to see photos of child, husband and wife,

a story that should be left 18 years ago.

“Thomas?” a whisper of noise from above,

the sound of grace from the elegance of a dove.

Is that his mother? Who is his mother?

It’s the sound of sorrow in a rock-hard bed

On top a limp body, soul and head,

“Mother,” he utters, back to 18 years ago,

when he screamed, and left to find him again.

And now, 18 years, he is back.

Gained nothing but a heart attack.

The dusty welcome mat on the floor.

The lock and key a familiar sound.

The lifeless room of ash and tears.

A broken photo of child, husband and wife.

A memory to the worst in life.

Yet,

In a lifeless room of ash and tears,

the sun will always peep through cracks,

and the love of a man will always be back,

and though the bed is solid as stone,

the warmth of the mother that comes from her own,

is enough to make home alive again.

And all he can hear her say,

As on the rock-hard bed that his mother lays:

“Welcome home.”

“Son.”

Featured Image

Personality Test

Uncategorized

Fatima Saleem

-

July 5, 2017

0

What food type are you?

You’re more complex than four letters, and five questions. Love yourself. This quiz is made purely for childish enjoyment.

What are you like at school?

a. You don’t mind people around you, but you still love your alone time. You have one or two close friends, and you don’t open up about your personal life. However, you love to solve complex problems and the library is a fun place to be.

b. You feed honest compliments to others all the time and you help that one person who may have dropped their binder, even though it’s cutting into your lunch time.

c. You surround yourself with many people and detest being alone.

d. You prefer to stay to yourself, and you don’t usually start conversations. But, if someone needs assistance, you’ll help them out.

You try to sort out your e-mail inbox, your room, and your work area because…

a. You cannot stand messiness, and need order at all times in your life. You have to have absolute control over all matters.

b. Why not? It’ll make everything easier.

c. Your mum told you to do it, or your friends are coming over.

d. You do it because you don’t want to upset people, and you prefer neatness.

You feel that the world is based on compassion and generosity.

a. The smart succeed, and the compassionate are left behind. You can be generous, but not all the time.

b. To an extent. There are other things that the world runs on, but compassion is significant. I want to lead incredible change, while helping people. I think a lot about mankind.

c. I guess. I don’t really think about it.

d. Yes, what else could it be based on?

Your friend is telling a joke, and everyone around you laughs. What do you do?

a. If it’s funny, you’ll crack a smile and laugh decently. If it’s not funny, you won’t say anything, but still smile their way. It depends on the situation, but you always have to be perfect.

b. It’ll most likely be funny, and I’ll laugh. I wouldn’t want to hurt their feelings.

c. I’ll laugh because I don’t want to be left out. I’m popular so I have to keep up appearances, and I might even throw in another joke.

d. I love my friends, so I’ll laugh. I don’t talk much anyways, and probably won’t say anything after it. Generally, my friends and I are quiet.

Which one of the following describes you best?

a. You cannot resist an intellectual challenge, and have a way with words. You work hard, and you look at problems from different angles.

b. You are full of passion and want to work for the greater good of the world. You aren’t particularly attached to money, and you love those close to you dearly. You would do anything to protect them.

c. You do things just because you’re curious, and bored. You often stay up late with friends, and you’re the life of the party.

d. You don’t work well under pressure, and you’d rather stay quiet than say anything. You are creative.

If most of your choices are an (a), then you’re a vegetable: assertive, organized, on-task, extroverted debaters, who have a plan for absolutely everything but are unable to deal with criticism. They are on a quest for knowledge, and love to prove others wrong when given the opportunity. (This one is me! Which one are you?)

If you chose mainly (b), then you’re a fruit. This is my personal favourite: extraordinarily loving, kind, poetic, charismatic leaders, who are eager to help. You’re going to change the world someday.

For all of you who chose (c) for most of the questions, you’re meats: bold, curious thinkers, popular, athletic, energetic, and spontaneous individuals, who are always ready to explore. Way to go!

Lastly, for those who chose (d) as their most popular choice, you are a dairy product: innocent introverts, who are diplomatic, guided by feelings and principles, and loyal listeners. You can always be relied upon.

Image: Featured

YOUTH ARE AWESOMEA PROGRAM OF YOUTH CENTRAL

Goodbye, farvel, au revoir, 再见!

TAKE CHANCES

CALGARY IS BEAUTIFUL

SOFT SKILLS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HARD SKILLS

THE WORLD IS BIGGER THAN YOUR SCHOOL

CONNECTIONS ARE EVERYTHING

STOP, PAUSE, AND REFLECT!

DON’T BE CONFINED, BE CREATIVE, BE YOU!

ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR INTERESTS

1) I can cry.

2) I’m a part of this huge family.

3) It makes me feel like I’m a force to reckon with.

4) The relationships we form are powerful.

5) Femininity is a bonus.

6) I am shaped by all of the women before me.

YOUR BASE

LAYOUT AND ORGANIZATION

AESTHETIC

1. It is fit for all anime/gaming enthusiasts, whether amateur or experienced.

2. The attendees are some of the nicest and most inspiring people you will meet.

3. It is an appealing marketplace that goes towards a great cause.

1. You can never have enough paper.

2. Conjugation and grammar workbooks and drills will be your best friend and worst nightmare.

3. Google Translate will haunt you every time you’re procrastinating on that FLA project at midnight.

4. The French keyboard will be the death of you.

5. Trying to find the spelling of a word in the so-called ‘Petit’ Robert will be a ten-minute job.

6. It will also be the end of the world when your teacher tries to be economic in paper and tells you not to write on the test.

7. There will always be an exception in every type of conjugation that you try to learn.

8. Until you learn the names of all the accents, it’s gonna be the ‘hat accent’ and the ‘left, oh wait, my left, your right accent’.

9. There will always be that awkward moment when you see your teacher outside of class and you don’t know whether to say hi in French or English.

10. Not being able to remember some words that will be beneficial to you in your educational career, but also never being able to write some words in English again.

11. You can never make everyone happy.

12. But, you will meet some unforgettable people.

13. Everything will pass.

14. You can’t control what people say, but you can control how you react to it.

15. Anxiety and negative thoughts can either hold you back and push you forward.

16. Sometimes it’s good to take a step back and relax, because you will look back, and look at all the great opportunities that you missed.

17. Failure is the foundation for success.

18. Nobody is watching you.

19. The only competition you have is with yourself.

Volunteering is a powerful experience.

More suggestions:

Using Vinegar to Clean Everything

Swipe the Same Sponge Everywhere

Using Antibacterial Wipes on Your Screens

Popping Reusable Plastic Containers into the Microwave

Dumping in the Laundry Detergent

The City of Calgary’s Summer Youth Passport – $50

GoodLife’s Teen Fitness Program – Free!

City of Calgary Cycling and Walking Routes – Free!

City of Calgary Wading Pools, Spray Parks and Outdoor Pools – 0-7$

What food type are you?

You’re more complex than four letters, and five questions. Love yourself. This quiz is made purely for childish enjoyment.

What are you like at school?

You try to sort out your e-mail inbox, your room, and your work area because…

You feel that the world is based on compassion and generosity.

Your friend is telling a joke, and everyone around you laughs. What do you do?

Which one of the following describes you best?

If you chose mainly (b), then you’re a fruit. This is my personal favourite: extraordinarily loving, kind, poetic, charismatic leaders, who are eager to help. You’re going to change the world someday.

For all of you who chose (c) for most of the questions, you’re meats: bold, curious thinkers, popular, athletic, energetic, and spontaneous individuals, who are always ready to explore. Way to go!

Lastly, for those who chose (d) as their most popular choice, you are a dairy product: innocent introverts, who are diplomatic, guided by feelings and principles, and loyal listeners. You can always be relied upon.

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